The Toronto-based chain posted earnings up 60 percent to CAN$32.1 million (US$25.7 million), compared to earnings of CAN$20.2 million in 2013. Overall revenue rose 2.8 percent to $332.2 million (US$266.1 million), as higher concession and digital advertising sales offset the impact of lower box office grosses.

Cineplex had 19 million patrons during the latest quarter, just up from 18.9 million customers during the same period last year. But box office per patron was down 3.8 percent to CAN$9.06 (US$7.25), as there were fewer 3D releases on offer and the best box-office performers during the latest quarter failed to perform as well as year-earlier predecessors.

"We had a lot of Oscar contenders, but we didn't have Frozen, which was one of the biggest grossing family pictures [in 2013]," Cineplex CEO Ellis Jacob told The Hollywood Reporter on Thursday.

The Canadian cinema chain has aimed in recent years to mitigate the box-office volatility of Hollywood studio releases on its screen by diversifying into digital advertising, live opera and other alternative programming, e-commerce and gaming centers.